Small Kitchen Solutions Better Homes and Gardens

7/18/2019 Small Kitchen Solutions Better Homes and Gardens

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small kitchen

small kitchensolutionssolutions

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


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welcomeGood things come in small packages.That often-heardmissive applies to the 30 kitchens featured in this book. Simply put,Better Homes and GardensSmall Kitchen Solutionscelebrates smallness

and the clever approaches homeowners and designers have taken to

shower their cooking spaces with style and function.

What constitutes a small kitchen? That depends on your vantage point.

A small kitchen in a Midwestern home might seem like a cooking

paradise in a New York City apartment, where one can often spread arms

and touch walls on both sides. Our featured rooms run the gamut from

pint-size to modestly sized. The commonality is that theyve done a lot

with a little. Let the photographs and stories inspire your own ideas for

finagling a tight floor plan, stretching storage, and embracing style. The

Kitchen Workbook section at the back of this book will help you narrowdown choices in cabinets, countertops, and more. Whether youre in the

dreaming or doing stage of remodeling, remember that dimensions are

only numbers. Even in a small kitchen, the sky is the limit.


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4 SMALL KITCHEN solutions


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1 Compact Creativity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Rekindled Charm.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Presto Change-o... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Sociably Sleek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Fancy Footprint.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Simply Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Cozy with Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Smooth Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Little Wonder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

2 Everyday Elegance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Worth the Wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Vigorously Vintage .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

S l e e k C h i c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6

Details, Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Warm Embrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Glass Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4

3 Open Horizons...................90Tailored for Today. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Perfect Harmony... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Nested Interest.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

City Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Passing Through... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Age Appropriate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

4 Dream Rooms, Real Budgets . . . .124Overdue Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Kitchen by the Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Bounce-Back Bungalow .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .138

Splash of Color.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Buried Treasure... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

5 Culinary Delights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156Small but Mighty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Deco Perfecto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Bright Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Maximized Modern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Taking Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

6 Kitchen Workbook..............178Cabinets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

C o u n te r to ps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 2

Backsplashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Sinks and Faucets.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

F l o o r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 6

L i g h t i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 7

Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

contents

5small kitchen solutions 5


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compact creativity

Amazing things happen when you embrace thepossibilities.Imagine soffits removed so new cabinets can stretchto the ceiling, making your kitchen seem grander. Consider how a short

peninsula could substitute for the island you simply cant fit into the

room. Think about how a built-in can bring function to an awkward

nook, or how toe-kick drawers could eke out an extra bit of storage onbase cabinets. The kitchens on the following pages incorporate those

design-smart features and more. Theyre glass-half-full kinds of spaces.

Getting your kitchen to reach its full potential starts by looking beyond

what it is to what it could be. Listand rankyour priorities. Then let

those priorities guide your makeover and inspire clever ways to workthem in. Remember, its not the size of the room that matters, but what

you do with it. Even in a small kitchen, you can do a lot.

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White cabinetry, big

windows, and skylights

brighten this kitchen.A reproduction pendant

gives the sink area period-

inspired flair.



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rekindledcharmFloor to ceiling, this kitchen

brims with vintage style andspace-stretching savvy.

Living in an old house usuallymeans learning to compromise. In exchangefor charm and character, the owners get small rooms

and limited storage. Such was the case in this 1916homeoriginally built as a one-room cabinin Mill

Valley, California. When architectural designer David

Rivera signed on to remodel the kitchen, he knew that

restoring the charm would be easy. The trickier part

was how to make the small space seem larger and give

it adequate storage without adding on.

For Rivera, the ceiling was an obvious starting

point to mine spaceor at least to visually mine it.

Removing the low ceiling stretched the room upward.

The new slanted ceiling that allowed Rivera to workin the extra height adds to the charmor quirkof

the home. While the ceiling went up, a half-wall that

hemmed in the work core came down, instantly

making the kitchen seem larger.

New skylights, a wall of windows, and a glass door

also help visually expand the room. They bring the

outside in, Rivera says. So, too, does a wide window

over the sink. It looks out to a colorfully landscaped

yarda calming view that makes doing dishes seemless of a chore.

In keeping with the dont-close-it-in strategy,

Rivera choose classic white cabinetry over stained

cabinets. The cabinet style is consistent with the

cottage style of the house, he says. He also took

inspiration from features common to old homes:

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built-ins. Here, built-ins streamline the space andfill in a few awkward gaps. The microwave integrates

into upper cabinetry near the refrigerator, freeing up

countertop space. At the back of the kitchen, cabinets

fill a nook. With glass doors and beaded-board

backing, the cabinets resemble a china hutch and

create a charming point of interest visible from the

exterior door on the opposite wall.

Without doubt, the most prominent built-in is

the cushioned bench that stretches along the exteriorwall, making efficient use of space below all the

windows. The bench is multifunctional: It provides

sunny seating and also incorporates storage. The

homeowners use it store their recyclables. Across from

it, a built-in bookcase holds cookbooks and provides

an out-of-the-cooking-zone counter for keys and mail.

above:Glass-front cabinets turn a narrowwall into a display space. The glass doors

extend the sight lines and make the kitchen

appear larger, says architectural designer

David Rivera. opposite: Rivera used vertical

space to make the most of the cooking area.

The stainless-steel backsplash above the range

incorporates a shelf for warming plates or

cooked foods. The range hood is outfitted with

warming and task lights, as well as a high-

powered exhaust system.



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11Compact creativity


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Because the kitchen isnt large, Rivera limited

surfaces to just a few colors so as not to overwhelm

the room. Surfaces are essentially black or white,

creating a timeless scheme. Gray honed limestone

countertops are a shade up from black to ensure they

dont eat up the light.

Although the ceiling received the initial attention,

its the checkerboard floor that steals the show.

Oversize black and white squares painted on the

existing wood create a budget-friendly floor thats therooms eye-catcher. As one of the homeowners put it,

You can have a smaller, simple kitchen that still has a

wow factor to it.

The cabinet style isconsistent with thecottage style ofthe house.architectural designer david rivera



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above:The slanted ceiling

adds extra height. The built-in

bookcases open and closed

storage allows flexibility in

what can be stored in it. With

cookbooks and mixing bowls, it

serves as a mini baking center.

right: The painted wood floor isthe rooms focal point. far right:

For continuity, the storage bench

has the same facing as the kitchen

cabinets and the same curved

feet as the bookcase. opposite

left:The sink is mounted under

the countertop so crumbs can be

wiped directly into it. The single

bowl accommodates a bevy of

dishes and large pots. opposite

right:Curved edges created from

two pieces of limestone dress up

the countertops.



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THIS PHOTO: An arched

eating nook and door

inspired the curved

cabinetry in this cozy-

looking kitchen.



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As if by magic, a designer

transforms a tired kitchen intoa vintage charmer.

ABOVE: Space-stretching details include this display shelf

above the backsplash. Its a perfect spot for coffee mugs.

prestochange-o



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Kitchen designer CherieBrown,a member of the NationalKitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), used

a bag of tricks to update Shirley and Ken

Dreyers kitchen without changing the

rooms footprint.

It was like pulling a rabbit out of a

hat. The small spaceremodeled in the

1950shad pink metal cabinets, poorlyplaced appliances, and obstacles such as

a radiator, flue, and laundry chute. The

couple had made it work, though, through

two kids and 30 years. Our house is like

an old friendwe had really grown with

it, Shirley says. We wanted to keep it as it

was, but make our old kitchen new.

LEFT: The smooth-surface glass cooktop disappears into the black

countertops. An oven and over-the-counter microwave complete the

compact cooking area. BELOW:Maple cabinetry disguises the refrigerator

and freezer drawers, as well as a flue and laundry chute in the curved units.

opposite:Curves ease movement between the kitchen and dining room.An old swinging door was reinstalled, adding 1920s character.

Take-Home TipCurved cabinets improve theflow in a small kitchen by

turning sharp, tight cornersinto smooth segues.



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The radiator, flue, and laundry chute

stayedtheyre now better disguisedbut

the cabinets, appliances, and some sharp

corners did a disappearing act. Inspired

by arches in the 1920s Tudor-style home,

Brown incorporated curves in the new

cabinetry to boost openness and improve

flow. Anytime you extend a line with

a curve or angle, it draws your eye and

appears bigger, Brown says.

Another trick was using 15-inch-

deep upper cabinets instead of standard

12-inch units, which increased storage

by 25 percent. Handy shelves and

drawers are worked in wherever possible,including the ends of curved cabinets. The

microwave is an over-the-cooktop model,

and the dishwasher is only 18 inches wide.

When you dont have an endless supply

of space, you work with everything you

have, Brown says. Most people dont

have any idea all the little things that can

make a kitchen work harder.

Her audience is delighted. We think

we improved the way the kitchen fits inwith the rest of the house, and we had

so much fun doing it, Ken says. Cherie

knew how much our hearts were in it.

ABOVE: A narrow pullout on the left side of the

sink and an 18-inch-wide dishwasher on the

right (disguised as a set of drawers) save space.

Curved cutouts in the cabinet doors play off thearches in the room. right:Using soapstone for

the backsplash, countertops, and sink creates

a continuous block of color that makes the area

seem deeper and wider. opposite: Oak benches

with leather upholstery upgraded an existing

eating nook. The table features a marble top

and wrought-iron base. Its a visually light

alternative to a bulky wood table typically

found in an old eating nook.

9x16

DW

R/F

EFFIcIENT FLOW

Rounding the ends of cabinet

sections created a greater sense

of openness while maintainingthe efficiency of the existing

galley-style layout. Windows and

doorways connect the kitchen to

other rooms and to the outdoors.



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sociablysleekNo space goes to waste when

a designer turns an unfriendlyU-shape kitchen into an

engaging contemporary room

that suits a couple to a T.

Boosting base cabinets

and minimizing upper

units made this kitchenfeel more open without

losing storage. The

eating bar features

pneumatic stools.

The kitchen is a top social networkingsite. Its like Facebook for your home, a placefor connecting with family and friendsonly its

done in person. But if the space isnt well-planned,

connections are difficult to make, says Richard

Landon, a certified master kitchen and bath designer

(CMKBD) and member of the National Kitchen & Bath

Association (NKBA).

The U-shape kitchen with the cooktop on one

legthe most despised kitchen plan ever conceivedisolates the cook, Landon says. There is no way to

have interaction with someone not standing right

next to you.

Landon says the typical U-shape layout includes

a bank of upper cabinets hung above a breakfast

bar that nobody uses. If you walk into almost any

remodeled 1990s kitchen, youll see that scar tissue

in the ceiling where those upper cabinets have been

ripped away, he says.

Malei and Robert Davidson had such a U-shape

arrangement in their Seattle kitchen. The wall

cabinets did block me from guests, and I really wanted

to have an island to work on instead of the peninsula,

Malei says. They hired Landon to transform the room.



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above:For a contemporary look, designer

Richard Landon mixed white base cabinets,

zebrawood uppers, and lift-up units that

feature doors of stainless steel and reededglass. A corner appliance garage capitalizes

on a cache of space. above RIGHT: Narrow

pullout spice racks on the appliance wall show

Landons penchant for using every sliver of

space. OPPOSITE:The corner cooktop, set in a

stainless-steel countertop, basks in the light

of enlarged windows. The deep cabinets and

countertop allow extra storage and work space,

plus the extra distance from the windows

accommodates a ceiling-mount hood.

The couples goal was a kitchen that could be a

hot spot for social gatherings and also user-friendly

when its just the two of them. Initially Malei thought

it would be impossible to get everything they wanted.The kitchen was so small, I didnt see how we could

ever have the room, she says. Richard, thoughwell,

he can find space anywhere.

Landon made room for an island by creating a

wall of appliances, including stacked ovens and a

built-in refrigerator, that pushes the backs of the units

into the adjacent dining room. There, the appliances

are camouflaged by shallow display cabinets painted

white to match existing trimwork. Glass doors make

the unit look like a china hutch.

Landon also found a way to remove the view-

blocking hanging cabinets without losing storage

capacity. He made the new base cabinets taller than

normal, which boosted their storage volume and

raised the height of the countertops. That was a relief



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Take-Home Tip

Remember that sinkscome in all sizes. Squeezea small sink in by the

cooktop to fill pots andrinse foods.



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Custom touches and striking materials ensure that the

to 6-foot-2 Robert, who got a sore back from hunching

over standard 36-inch-high countertops. These

counters are 38 inches high, Landon says. In fact, its

rare that I do standard counters here in the Northwest.

We are the tallest people in the country, really.

The designers cleverness didnt end there. The

extra-tall base cabinets include a row of drawers built

into the toe-kicks. Its like an additional top drawer,

Landon says. The cabinets and drawers are extra-

deep, too. I rarely do standard depths of 24 inches,

Landon says. These are 30 inches deep, and you get a

tremendous increase in capacity with that.

Minimizing upper cabinets made the kitchen

more welcoming, Landon says. It transitions easily

into the family room, and it feels very much like a hug

when you step into it.

The space also feels much brighter, thanks to

another Landon trickbumping up the heights of the

windows on the sink wall. With a two-story home

you can get substantially more light if you move the

header above the window up into the rim joist of

the second floor, he says. And the extra 6 inches per

window makes a big difference. To me, the old space

was like it was half asleep, its eyes were half closed,

Landon says. Now, you can see the sky.



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kitchen looks good as it works well and uses space efficiently.

UPDATING THE U

An obsolete U-shape layout with a

peninsula was tweaked to add an

island and make the kitchen more

open to a sitting area. The main

sink, corner cooktop, and angled

eating counter occupy an exteriorwall, where they benefit from

windows, while the refrigerator

and ovens are on an interior wall.

ABOVE LEFT:Raising the base cabinets and countertop a few

inches created room for toe-kick drawers faced in stainless

steel. ABOVE:To make room for the island, Landon pushed

the backs of the refrigerator and ovens into the dining room,

then disguised them with shallow storage units resembling

china cabinets. OPPOSITE LEFT:The main sink, which includes

a recessed drying rack, is integrated into the stainless-steel

countertop for a clean look. The backsplash is back-painted

reeded glass. OPPOSITE right:Landon adorned the island

with custom pulls and stiletto heel legs. The countertop is anenameled lava stone thats virtually indestructible, while the

zebrawood base boasts trimwork of wenge and walnut.



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Daring dark

cabinets and

stainless-steelappliances make

a once-blah

kitchen sleek and

sophisticated.



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Finding a place for everything

and putting everything in itsplace: that was the strategy for

making this kitchen livable.

The rooms rich, sophisticated

look was the bonus.

fancyfootprint

before



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Well-designed storage is critical and everycabinet must have a purpose, says CandiceDickinson, a certified kitchen designer (CKD) and member of the

National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). You have to makeevery inch count.

Located in a house that has just under 900 square feet, the old

kitchen had the same compact footprint as the newly remodeled

version, but lacked light and pizzazz. There were boring white

oak cabinets, laminate countertops, and just two small windows,

Dickinson says. And the laundry room had side-by-side units

housed behind four bifold doors that took up way too much of the

limited square footage.

Although Dickinson kept the same basic layout and appliance

placements, she transformed the room by cutting the space-

hogging laundry room in half (the washer and dryer are now

stacked) and turning the extra square footage into a bar that

links the kitchen to living and dining areas. She set back the bar

cabinetry and countertop a bit to make room for a table and chairs.

The change made the space feel much bigger because I was able

above:The sink and appliances occupy the

same places as before, but the new models

are more functional and fashionable. The

restaurant-style faucet serves a serious cook.opposite TOP, left: Kitchen designer Candice

Dickinson paired dark-stained cabinets with

quartz-surfacing countertops that contain olive-

color flecks. opposite top, right: Stacking the

washer and dryer let Dickinson shrink a laundry

room and fold the extra space into the kitchen.

opposite bottom: A portion of the old laundry

room became the bar, which connects the

kitchen to the dining and living areas.



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to open up part of the kitchen to the living room, Dickinson says.

Before, all you could see from the living area was a big blank wall,

and now you see into the kitchen.

The bar area is a model of efficiency, offering handy wine

cubbies, a surface for beverage prep that doubles as food-serving

space for buffets, undercounter storage, and glass-front cabinets

for stemware. I even managed to tuck in an extra cabinet behind

the glassware, Dickinson says.

Replacing a window by the dining area with French doors

went a long way toward brightening the once-dreary roomplus,the doors provide access to a patio and grill. Eliminating a soffit

that stretched around the perimeter of the room added vertical

space and allowed Dickinson to extend upper cabinets to the

ceiling. And lengthening the range wall by several inches at one

end created more counter space, making the cooking area feel less

cramped. I was also able to get equal-size drawers on either side

of the stove and create better storage as a result, Dickinson says.

The homeowners dark-wood dining table inspired the

kitchens ebony-stained cabinets, which Dickinson paired with

olive-flecked quartz-surfacing countertops. The dark wood

was a bold design move in a modest-size space. Even though

the kitchen is small, I wasnt afraid to introduce dark cabinets,

because I thought the contrast with the stainless-steel appliances

and cross-reeded glass on the laundry door would be striking and

sophisticated, she says.



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Its an old design trick: Add glass fronts tocabinetry. The perception of greater depth

increases the visual space of this kitchen.



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Youd think that after traipsing through agazillion housesas a kitchen and home scout for BetterHomes and Gardens, Betsy Harris would have the crme de la

crme of kitchens. Why, then, did it take this accomplished cookalmost 20 years to finally remodel her own kitchen?

The first reason is one that any homeowner who has spent

months walking the aisles of home centers and flipping through

magazines can understand: saturation. I am exposed to so many

new and exciting ideas and products that in some ways, it can be

difficult to make decisions about my own kitchen, Betsy says.

For years Betsy would come home after a photo shoot and

see right past the 35-year-old range, circa-1940 sink, fake wood

laminate countertops, and dark blue cabinets painted to match

the car siding backsplash, a tongue-and-groove paneling that was

all the rage back in the early 20th century.

It was such a challenge to prepare foodI hand-washed all

the dishes because I didnt have a dishwasherbut I was basically

content with the kitchens quirkiness, she says. And the small

size, at roughly 98 feet, puts everything at my fingertips.

When two coils on her stove top stopped working, Betsy

began warming to the thought of a makeover. That notion heated

up when her oven went on the blink. Soon, the idea caught fire

and she and her husband, Art, were collecting paint swatches andcomparing the merits of more counter space versus a standard-

size refrigerator.

Betsy had a few parameters. Because her house was a

historical log cabin, she was stuck with the original footprint of

Creativity trumps limitations in this

makeover. The kitchen is now tidyand functionalyet still very small.

simplyorganized

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Focus on the smalldetails. Theyll make a bigdifference in how yourkitchen looks and works.

homeowner betsy harris



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LEFT: A countertop cabinet thats

a twist on an appliance garage

keeps small appliances handy and

out of sight when theyre not being

used.OPPOSITE:

Open shelvinggives homeowner Betsy Harris the

chance to change the look of her

kitchen at will. She chose white

dishes for their practicality and

the way they blend with the color

scheme. Colorful pieces would

catch the eye and detract from the

kitchens serene feel.

the kitchen. Art insisted on keeping the car siding backsplash,

beaded-board ceiling, and pine flooring. Everything else, the

couple reasoned, could goand did go.Relying on her expertise, Betsy was adamant that every

inch of space be utilized and accounted for. She maximized

storage space with upper and lower cabinetry, an appliance garage,

undercounter refrigerator drawers, and pullouts wherever they

would fit. I gave up counter space for the appliance garage, but

hiding the appliances behind doors contributes to the kitchens

clean, uncluttered look, Betsy says. I also love the slide-out

storage cabinet to the left of the range. Its only 9 inches wide,

but it stores three levels of canned goods and bottles, keeping me

from rooting around in the back of a cabinet. Plus, I dont knowwhat else you could have done with that small of a space.

Betsy outfitted the kitchen with materials that had managed

to stay on her list of perennial favorites. I liked the clean look of

white, Shaker-style cabinetry, and I wanted a few glass doors so

I could display things, she says. Her other must-haves included

Pro PointersHomeowner and kitchen and home pro Betsy Harris has

seen her share of design fiascoes. Her advice?

Know yourselfConsider not only your style

preferences, but also how you cook and entertain.

Though the trend over the past few years has been

large, open kitchens, Betsy likes her small, intimate

kitchen because of its convenience.

Choose a deSign Find a look that fits with your

homes architecture. Otherwise, the kitchen will look

out of sync.

Focus on small detailsThey can make a big

difference. Cabinet hardware, lighting, windows, and

accessories all contribute to your kitchens style.

Invest in the best Shop for the best quality

cabinetry, countertops, and appliances that yourbudget will allow.

Work with a pro A professional can help you

understand and clarify your wants and needsand

often save you money.



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stainless-steel hardware, fixtures, and appliancesincluding a

dishwasher. Betsy was always conscious of her budget, but she

was willing to put money toward items that she knew would

hold their value. My biggest splurge was the honed black granite

counterspricey but classic, she says.

Although attracted to the classic new country look, Betsywas fastidious in integrating the kitchens design with her homes

existing architecture. She restored the pine floors to their original

golden tone, a nod to an earlier era. She painted the wood walls

and backsplash a warm, faint gray, a hue that reads white without

creating too stark a background.

Keeping the car siding and working with the existing footprint

also added to the kitchens charm. In hindsight, Im so glad Art

insisted on keeping the wood ceiling, walls, and backsplash,

Betsy says. They are the key to making our more contemporarycabinetry and appliances look right in our antique home.

As an afterthought, Betsy added open shelving above the

appliance garage, a design element that gives the eye a rest as it

moves about the room. I was an art major, and arranging items

on those shelves gives me the same feeling as creating a still life,

she says. I also feel like a professional when Im cooking because I

can slide the plates right off the shelves, just like a chef does.

With the remodel complete, Betsy says the kitchen lives

larger than ever and gives her everything she needs. Friends

cant believe its a new kitchen in the same small space, she says.Now, when shes out hunting down the latest in kitchen style and

design, Betsy no longer looks for the perfect kitchenshe knows

shes already found it.

OPPOSITE TOP, LEFT: A pullout

pantry adds accessibility to every

inch of spacegreat by the range.

OPPOSITE TOP, RIGHT:A sliding

tray ensures that theres no digging

for pots and pans at the back of a

cabinet. OPPOSITE BOTTOM, LEFT:

The tall curved faucet is handy for

cleaning oversize pots and pans.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM, RIGHT:Sliding,

stacked trays maximize storage and

keep flatware organized.

1. LANDING STRIPBecause space was tight, the sink was placed adjacent

to the range. There is landing space for cookware tothe left of the range and a sliver of space on the right.

2. MAXIMIZE SPACEA countertop cabinet maximizes space and keeps

small appliances accessible.

3. NEW DISHWASHERSpace for a dishwasher was added to the new plan.

4. REFRIGERATOR DRAWERSRefrigerator drawers were a splurge that the

homeowners say are worth the expense.

1

2

3

4



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cozy withcolorAfter buying the 1920s home her

grandparents built, this designer

filled the kitchen with happy hues.

My grandmother called it her dollhouse,says interior designer Kristi Dinner of the small Denver home that

her grandparents built in 1928 and Kristi purchased for herself in

2001. My mother was thrilled that I bought it, and I was delighted

to have this rare chance to do whatever I wanted without having to

bow to a client.

Budget constraints precluded any immediate large-scale

remodeling, but the kitchens nondescript white cabinets and

laminate counters with oak edgingthe results of a previous

remodelgnawed at Kristis design sensibilities. When the time

was right, she ripped everything out and started over.

As far as the floor plan, there wasnt much we could dothe

space was what it was, Kristi says. Architect Dean Lindsey helped

her pinpoint an existing blank wall as the location for a floor-to-

ceiling display cabinet to hold china, pottery, and glassware. Wereplaced the shallow cabinets on the opposite wall with a curved

breakfast bar that took up less space than what was there before,

Lindsey says. As a result, we could add the wall unit and still have

room for a passageway.

Kristi bought new stainless-steel appliances, including a built-

in steam oven and a glass-door refrigerator. She floated glass

shelves near the new sink, which is an integral marble basin. I like

the continuous sweep of the veins, she says. The materials palette

includes carrara marble countertops and apple-green and white

backsplash tiles in basket-weave and river-stone patterns. It wasa lot of pattern, Kristi says, but I figured if I couldnt take some

risks in my own kitchen, where could I take them?

Everything fell neatly into place except for the cabinetry. I

really struggled to find the perfect wood, but nothing seemed

right, Kristi says. Then I remembered a picture of a kitchen with



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Bright colors and

stainless steel power

the new look of interior

designer Kristi Dinners

kitchen. To save space, a

shallow eating counter

wraps around the walls

of a stairwell.



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red lacquer cabinets Id cut out of a magazine years before, and I

knew that was what I wanted.

The challenge was keeping the red and green from looking

like Christmas. It was the tone of green that ultimately made it

all come together, says Kristi, who designed window treatments

in the same hue. She also incorporated a Greek key element into

the cabinetry design. Its layered on the red doors, but on the wall

unit I did more of a cutout because of the glass, she adds. I like

the way the key ties the kitchen together.

above:Like the countertops, the integral sink is carrara marble, a

stone that conveys the vintage elegance of the homes 1920s roots.

above RIGHT:The basket-weave backsplash pattern supplies

contemporary energy. RIGHT:A Greek key design on one of the cabinet

doors blends a classic pattern with modern color. Porcelain knobs

resemble white tiles. OPPOSITE:The glass-front refrigerator breaks up

the solidness of the bank of pantry cabinets.



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DNDW

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small COMFORT

The curved eating counter by the

stairs is shallow enough to leaveclearance between the stools and

a new display unit on the opposite

wall. A narrow, L-shape work core

offers step-saving galley efficiency.

ABOVE left:The center portion of the display cabinet is a lighted niche that

incorporates a glass shelf and tiles in a river-stone pattern. ABOVE:Tapering the

eating bar on the opposite wall let Kristi add this display cabinet and provideadequate clearance between the two. LEFT:Jewel-like pendants over the eating

counter add 1920s glamour. opposite: The kitchens footprint didnt change.

This doorway still leads to the formal dining room, where Kristi continued the use

of rich colors. Instead of refinishing the existing hardwood flooring, she painted

it a dramatic black, adding another bold hue to the mix.



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A widened doorway

stretches this kitchen

into the butlers pantry.

To-the-ceiling cabinets

accentuate the rooms

height and provide

storage for items that

arent often used.

SMALL KITCHEN Solutions42


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This kitchen rises (and curves)

to the challenge of restoringorder and character.

smoothmove

The uncluttered layout and crisp,clean look of Andrew Wittmans San Franciscokitchen would inspire any cook. The old spacewith

aged appliances, chipped cabinets, and peeling

laminate countertopsconspired against a chef. It

was an eyesore that never really felt clean, Andrew

says of the 1950s version.

A disjointed layout with too many doorways

and a lack of storage and work space meant that the

kitchen functioned poorly for Andrew, who likes

to cook and entertain. Interior designer Teneke

Triggs and remodeler Paul Hines, both members of

the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA),

collaborated to improve the rooms function and flowwhile preserving the 1914 homes historical character.

Though other rooms retain their original dark-

stained woodwork, Triggs knew that such a look

would overwhelm the kitchen. So she and Andrew

chose Edwardian-style cabinets in light gray and

blue-gray, colors that echo softly in carrara marble

countertops and tile.

Unexpected color and cabinets were only part

of the solution. Triggs dealt with the poor layout

by reconfiguring the space and shifting appliancepositions. To make better use of space, she walled

off one doorway to create an alcove for the built-in

refrigerator, then moved the range to set off the

professional-grade model. The sink is in the same

spotbeneath large windowsbut Triggs made the



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sink cabinet a few inches deeper than is standard to

allow more room for the faucets.

She also stretched the kitchenand storageby

capitalizing on bonus space: a butlers pantry. After

widening the doorway, she wrapped an L-shape

cabinetry section around the jog between the tworooms. A rounded countertop and curved base cabinet

turn the sharp corner into a smooth segue. Triggs gave

one end of the sink-wall cabinetry the same rounded

treatment. I wanted to make the area between the

kitchen and the butlers pantry as open as possible,

and the best way to do that and still have storage was

to make it rounded on both sides, she says.

While theres now a seamless transition between

the two spaces, the added storage satisfies Andrews

desire for a highly organized and tidy kitchen. I hate

clutter, so places where appliances, utensils, and other

items can be put away or lifted off the countertop were

important, he says.

The tasteful mix of Edwardian elegance and

modern-mindedness is appetizing for the cook and

guests alike. Its an attractive space that is very

functional and practical, Andrew says. Its just a

delightful space to be in.

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BUTLERSPANTRY

RIGHT:Base cabinets set on legs give the

kitchen visual breathing room. opposite top:

Marble countertops and backsplash tile bridge

the contrasting cabinet colors. opposite

bottom, left:In addition to its ceiling-

height cabinets, this kitchen claims vertical

space in small ways. On the backsplash, a rail

system with shelves is a simple way to keep

countertops clear so theres more available

work space. opposite bottom, middle:To

allow room for the fixtures, the sink cabinet

and countertop are a few inches deeper than

normal. opposite bottom, right:In the

butlers pantry, glass shelves are a delicate

alternative to a cabinet. With a wine refrigeratorin the lower cabinet, the area is a handy bar.

team players

Widening a doorway helped

the kitchen and butlers pantry

read as one larger room. Curved

cabinetry allows a seamless flow

between the two spaces. The

sink cabinet and countertop arerounded for visual softness and

to ease traffic flow.



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A prep peninsula plays

the role of an island in

this super-functional

kitchen. The rounded

end eases traffic flow.



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You probably wouldnt expect MarkGibson and Joe Tertelings 1925 bungalow on Seattles

Capitol Hill to echo with excess volumeno ballroom

bedrooms or Queen Mary-size cooking quarters here.

But come on. The existing kitchen was ridiculously

small. Mark called it a one-butt kitchen, meaning

that two people cooking at the same time was simply

one derriere too many. It was impossible, Joe says.

For a couple who love to cook, the crimp in their

culinary creativity was almost tragic. Yet for nine years

they endured. The lot was too small for a bump-out,

and there were design issues we just couldnt figure

out, Joe says.

By the time they met up with designer Brian

Parker, they had learned to love their homes characterand simply wanted a little breathing room in the

kitchen. What they got, however, was an ingenious

rethinking of the floor plan and an oeat design

approach that was right-on.

The remodel didnt add an inch of square footage,

but the kitchen lives much larger now. Parker found

several areas where more storage could be squeezed

into cabinets and walls. He ripped down a clunky,

stacked-shelf pantry and replaced it with a pullout

food file that has a recycling bin tucked underneath.He inserted two freezer drawers into an unused

cabinet interior and turned a space-wasting coat closet

into a slender envelope for slippers, boots, rain gear,

and jackets. The weather here is so wet and gunky

that you have to have a place to keep slippers

Whats to love about this

kitchen? Lots! Its packed with

clever storage and the luxuries

of a much bigger space.

little

wonder



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by the door, Joe says. Otherwise, there would be dirt

and mud tracked all over the place.

Parker talked the pair down from their desire for

an island. Plan revision after plan revision fell apart

every time they inserted any kind of island. Finally,

Parker proposed a peninsula with a prep sink on the

end and access from both sides. Think of it as an

attached island, Parker told the couple. Eureka. We

can work together now, Joe says. One at the prep sink,

one making an entre. Guests, too. We just put a bottle

of wine on the peninsula and everyone wants to help.

With space issues settled, Joe and Mark focused

on 1920s style. We wanted a kitchen that matched the

era, Joe says. We had seen all the bells and whistles

that you see on house tours, but we didnt want the

industrial-commercial look that came with it. It wouldnot have been right in a house with custom woodwork

and leaded-glass windows. Interior designer Carleen

Cafferty shared the couples authenticity ethic. I love

everything to look like it was original, as much as

possible, Cafferty says.

Accordingly, a hutch made to look like an original

built-in anchors a small eating area, white subway

tile covers the backsplash, and gray-green granite

countershoned to a matte finishpick up the minty

green of the range. We spent half of the time tryingto meld what would be historically accurate with what

would be better functionally, Joe says. Our goal was

not to compromise the integrity for convenience or

trends. So we dont have a coffee bar and espresso

machine. Id rather have a percolator, anyway.

top left:Between doors to the dining room and powder room, a built-in hides therefrigerator and a narrow coat closet. top right:An apron-front sink conveys vintage

style, as do double-hung windows with leaded-glass upper sashes. above:In the eating

area, a banquette gave way to a more period-apt hutch. To the right are the pantry and

basement door. opposite:A mint-green range cues a color scheme that recalls 1920s

Coke bottles. Granite counters and linoleum flooring pick up the cue.



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freezer

drawers13x11

Far Left:In a small room, grab storage space

wherever you can, even under the prep sink. The

curved end of the peninsula opens, providing

a spot for cleaning supplies and a compostpail. Left: Next to the back doorthe entry

from the garagethis built-in catches mail,

messages, keys, and more. The fold-down

bench is handy for someone putting on or taking

off shoes. Middle row, far Left:A pullout

under the pantry and next to the basement

door has bins for recyclables. Items can be

kept here until its time for curbside pickup.

middle row, left:One side of the built-in that

holds the refrigerator is a slim coat closet with

pullout shelves for shoes. The beefy handles

are designed for exterior doors. bottom row,

far Left:Storage in the eating area includes

a niche for a vintage rotary-dial phone that

worksand rings loudly. bottom row, left:

Two freezer drawers in the peninsula equip this

spot to be a dessert bar or an extra prep station.

A cutting board in the slot to the right pulls out

from either side of the peninsula.



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Many pantries are closed-door affairs, but

this one is as open as can be for quick visual

inventory. The shallow shelves save space

and theres a handy larder ladder.

The armoire-style design is popular for pantries.

This one has shelves on the doors and deeper

ones inside. Etched copper panels make the

doors distinctive.

A pantry can be a built-in or more like a

freestanding furniture piece, such as this

example. The white-painted, glass-panel doors

with curtains elegantly enclose supplies.

More Storage SolutionsConsider these pantry storage ideas from other kitchens.

Handy PantryJoe Terteling and Mark Gibson found the idea for their

food file in a magazine. The pullout pantry works like

a filing cabinet, with each shelf holding a different food

category. The shelves are labeled so that helpers can follow

the system. Its like the card catalog at the Library of

Congress, Joe jokes.

The pantry keeps everything visible. They can see right

away what theyre out of and need to restock, designerBrian Parker says. In the old pantry, which was just a series

of shelves in a closet, if you put something small behind

something big, youd lose it. Each shelf is about 1821

inches. An extra-sturdy, German-made gliding mechanism

handles the weight of bulk items and canned goodsup to

300 pounds.



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everyday eleganceAs kitchens have become the heart of the home, its onlynatural that theyve become more stylish. Today, its common to see

cabinetry gracefully detailed with carved columns or curved brackets

and exquisite tile backsplashes that are works of art. Kitchens are

also showing their softer side, with pretty fabrics turned into window

coverings, cushions, and even pillows that are tossed onto a bench.

But good looks arent the end-all. After all, a kitchen still has to perform.

When planning your space, look at the big picture and consider all the

options to make sure youre not swayed by looks alone. A gorgeous

countertop that needs frequent sealing may not suit your fuss-free

lifestyle. If storage space is scarce, you may want to rethink clear

glass cabinet doors; frosted glass gives a similar look without putting

contents on display. As the following kitchens show, it is possible to

have it both wayspretty and practical.

2


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worththe waitClassic details ensure that

a long-overdue update haslasting appeal.

left and above: The perimeter of this remodeled

kitchen is awash in white. Keeping cabinetry,

countertops, and the tile backsplash all the same

color streamlines the room.

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It took more than a decade for interiordesigner Agnes Hannah Friel to transform the dated

kitchen of her most difficult client. That kitchen was

her own, and she was the client. I would get an idea,

work on it, then put it away, Agnes Hannah says. I

kept putting it off because I couldnt get it just right.

The biggest roadblock was the rooms modest

size. Not wanting to add on to her 1940s Indianapolis

home, Agnes Hannah kept searching for a way to

make the 1211-foot kitchen seem larger and function

better, including squeezing in a place to eat. Finally

concluding that she needed a fresh perspective,

Agnes Hannah enlisted kitchen designer Kristin

Zwitt. Personally I think that smaller kitchens are

more functional than larger ones, Zwitt says. I hear

homeowners say they need a bigger kitchen because

they need more counter space. Why? Do they really

have 304 different tasks going on at once?

In no time, Zwitt made the rooms size issues

seem to vanish, starting by removing soffits above

the old cabinets. We couldnt make the room larger,

but by removing the soffits we made it seem taller

and bigger, Zwitt says. The new cabinets that stretch

to the ceiling maximize storage; glass fronts on some

cabinet doors visually open the room.

The trickiest part of the renovation was how to

work in the eating space that topped Agnes Hannahs

list. A traditional table wouldnt work in a snug layout,

so Zwitt answered the call for dining with a short

peninsula that juts from cabinets. Its the star of the



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left: A metal rack that can

withstand heat provides out-

in-the-open storage above the

cooktop. opposite left:A footpedal incorporated into the base

of the sink cabinet activates the

faucet. When you have icky

stuff on your hands, its handy

to be able to turn on the faucet

with your foot, says homeowner

and designer Agnes Hannah

Friel. Above the double oven, a

tall cabinet for less-used items

maximizes storage. opposite

right: A petite chandelier

establishes the peninsula as a

focal point and is a graceful touch

in a hardworking kitchen.

57everyday elegance


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room, Agnes Hannah says. Although the peninsula

cuts into the walkway, which Zwitt prefers to avoid, itsfunctionality outweighs the few extra steps around it .

Zwitt also worked wonders on the rooms cooking

functionality. She moved a doorway nine inches to

allow for a double oven and grouped appliances and

the sink into a tight but efficient work triangle. Agnes

Hannah decided against facing appliances to blend

them with the cabinetry. I wanted my kitchen to look

like a kitchen, she says.

Thats not to imply the room is all business.Its elegance shows in the details, including carved

columns and crown molding on cabinets. Black and

white countertops set up a classic color scheme that

repeats in the toile Roman shades on the window

above the sink. It allows me to bring in other colors

and change things up, Agnes Hannah says.

The long-awaited renovation also inspired Agnes

Hannah to change up her routine. She cooks a lot more

now and savors time in her kitchen. She credits that

shift to Zwitts masterful design. In a small room, itbehooves you to use a kitchen professional to get a

good plan and maximize your space, Agnes Hannah

says. What we were able to accomplish with the

amount of space available exceeded my expectations.

above left:Graceful curves transform vintage-inspired

faucets into artful accessories. The small faucet is fordrinking water. above: A pullout towel rack makes efficient

use of a sliver of space between the dishwasher drawers

and a corner cabinet. opposite:Columns flanking the sink

cabinet add architectural interest.



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59everyday elegance


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Graced with its original crownmolding,built-ins, and hardwood floors, Janiceand Dan Harrisons 1945 cottage-style home exuded

all the warmth and character that the couple love

about vintage homes. Unfortunately, all the charm

stopped at the kitchen door. Floral wallpaper, faux-wood laminate countertops, and a pink tile floor had

long outworn their welcome. To make matters worse,

the kitchen consisted of little more than one wall

of cabinetry and countertopsdismally inadequate

storage and work space.

Even though I hated it, I was still willing to

ignore the kitchens faults, Janice says. But what

really sent me over the edge was when the cupboards

wouldnt close anymore because they had so much

paint on them as a result of us repainting them overthe years.

Janice sought the help of kitchen designers

Marina Phillips and Dario Kiper, both members of the

National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). The duo

took their style cues from the home. We really wanted

the kitchen to blend in with the house and look like it

had always been there, Janice says.

Phillips carried the creamy colors of surrounding

rooms into the kitchen with cabinetry painted a soft

linen hue. Mission-style glass-front doors dress up

cabinets and echo an original built-in glass display

cabinet in the dining room. The cabinets showcase

Janices vintage glassware. Even the door to the garage

is a step above the ordinary. Its outfitted with leaded

vigorouslyvintageDesigner know-how conquers a

charm deficiency to bring good looks

and efficiency to this kitchen.



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A new island-basedlayout makes Janice and

Dan Harrisons kitchen

work better, while its

classic look suits their

1940s home.

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above left: The simple backsplash visually bridges creamy cabinetry

and green-flecked black-granite countertops.above:Janice likes to wash

dishes by hand, so she wanted a deep single-basin sink for large pots and

platters. opposite: With its eating counter and beaded-board paneling,

the island offers function and charm.

glass, turning a usually overlooked feature into a

showy focal point.

Black granite countertops and dark ceramic-tile

flooring add dramatic counterpoints to the creamy

tones. Other elementsvintage-look wavy glass,

subway tile, bin-style door pulls, and beaded-board

panelsstay true to the homes character.

Good-looking surfaces and thoughtful details,

though, didnt interfere with functionality. Janice was

desperate for storage, Phillips says. She was using a

built-in ironing board cupboard to store her spices.The floor plan complicated the quest for more

storage. There was an opening or window on every

wall, which made it difficult to create flow and

uninterrupted counter space, Phillips says. We didnt

want to make major structural changes, so adding

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above: A tall, storage-rich pantry stands beside a dressy door

to the garage. opposite:Diagonal shelves for wine bottles,

wavy glass, and crown molding detail the bar cabinetry.

We really wanted it to blend in with the houseand look like it had always been there.

homeowner Janice harrison

on wasnt an option. Enlarging the openings to the

dining room and family room left even less wall space.

Unfazed by the limitations, the design duodevised an efficient layout that doubled the amount

of storage and counter space without expanding the

footprint. Removing a corner eating area created space

for a new island. Janice didnt want to lose the eat-in

option entirely, so the island includes an overhang for

two stoolsa cozy setup for informal dining.

A new pantry and wine area flank the widened

entry to the dining room, both boosting storage. The

wine racks slanted shelves inject modern flair into thespace and add to the rooms elegance.

Janice was so elated with the result that she

hosted a holiday party shortly after the project was

done. Everyone ended up in the kitchen, she says.

People were there until two in the morning, so I

guess you could say the kitchen was a big hit.

open wideWidening interior doorways

opened this kitchen to

adjoining rooms, but cut

into storage. To make the

most of the space that

remained, one corner

became a bar with a wine

refrigerator. The other corner

houses a built-in pantry.

65everyday elegance

A modest budget led to


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creative touches in this clean-

lined kitchen. The backsplash

is washable vinyl wallpaper.



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A homeowner with a can-do

attitude combines researchand shopping to turn a dated

kitchen into a glamorous

gathering spot.

sleekchic

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Beige is like a chefs pure white dish,DesMoines homeowner Karin Edwards says. Both are the perfect

backdrop for whatever you want to show off. And in my kitchen,

thats my food and my friends, she says. Karins sleek beige and

white kitchen is indeed a perfect backdrop for good times. Its

striking and chic, yet doesnt shout for attention.

Karins goal when remodeling the room was high style with low

fussand a modest budget. But high style can come at a cost. Sleek

lines meant flush-set appliances, recessed undercabinet lighting,

and hidden outlets that arent typical of an off-the-shelf kitchen.

And Karins budget hovered around $10,000.

Fortunately, the house, a 1950s flat-roof, offered motivation.

Its sited perfectly on a hilltop, with windows on three sides to

look out on a sprawling lawn of old oaks, she says. The views are

so stunning, theyd make you take on even the craziest project.

No mistake about it, a true mountain of makeover work was

needed to carve this diamond from its rough. The kitchens layout

had not changed since the home was built. A torn linoleum floor,composite cabinets in a faux-oak finish, and cracked laminate

countertops remained from a 1970s redo. And to add to the

challenge, Karin had left the kitchen for last.

Having renovated every other room with her late husband,

a talented do-it-yourselfer, she had to find a low-cost solution

to meld with the style of a home with custom walnut built-ins

and travertine floors. The kitchen had to look like the rest of

the house and preserve its flow, Karin says. For two years I kept

trying to make revisions to a plan I could no longer afford. In

time, I learned that the only way to get the work done was to have

some fun with it.

On nights and weekends she loaded up her dachshunds,

Mouse and Lefty, for a visit to a home center or to meet contractors.

She also brought friends into the act. Someone has to hold the

other end of the tape measure and, for me, thats my friend Sara

Risseuw, she says. The minute I call, she knows Ive got another

wild idea and need her help to pull it off.

With her friend on board, Karin began simplifying. She

chopped the square room into three parts: a tidy galley with only

as much prep space as she really needed, a walk-in pantry for extra

storage, and a laundry closet for the washer and dryer that used to

reside next to the kitchen sink.

Remember Mrs. Cs kitchen on the TV show Happy Days?she says. I had it. Cabinets on two walls and empty space in the

middle. It wasnt a good use of space. A galley is more functional.

The galley was also an economical decision. Karin sliced her

cabinetry costs by at least one-third by installing only what she

neededan L shape of two-tone cabinets with upper garage-door-



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THIS PHOTO: Homeowner

Karin Edwards splurged on a

Viking cooktop and oven, butlimited costly tilework to behind

the cooktop. Stock horizontal

cabinets didnt fill the wall

space, so Karin left extra space

between units and framed them

out with beige end panels and

mosaic tile, creating a spice

cubby. OPPOSITE left: A drop-in

sink, laminate countertop, and

faucet, all from IKEA, kept the

budget down. Opposite right:

Flip-up doors and a glass shelf

detail the cabinets.

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Planning a walk-in pantry saved a

bunch of money on cabinetry andadded a cozy spot for my pup, Mouse.

homeowner karin edwards



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style lift-ups. Anything that doesnt fit can find a home in her

walk-in pantry or tall pullout units on the refrigerator wall. I reallylike walk-in pantries where you can grab things immediately off

the shelves, she says. Theres a ton of storage in very little space.

And all it costs is drill-and-hang-yourself wall shelves.

Siting the pantry behind the refrigerator wall also allowed

Karin to cheat space from behind to create the luxe look of a

flush-set appliance when, in fact, the fridge is much deeper

than flanking pullouts. The cabinet on top of the fridge is even

shallower than the pullouts, Karin says. I had a wood support

built behind it. Now all three depthsthe fridge and two cabinet

typeslook equal.Cabinet doors on the refrigerator wall are glossy white, while

the galleys other walls are interspersed white with beige and

frosted-glass doors. One door type seemed boring, Karin says.

She saved money by keeping the plumbing where it had been,

running a bit of extra pipe to move the faucet a few inches. That

meant there was no need to break through walls to run pipes or

worry about adding insulation.Still, she needed to cut costsmostly, to afford her cooking

appliances. Consistency is key in a small space, and I was already

using three door types, Karin says. I couldnt have stainless

interrupt their rhythm of beige and white surfaces. I had to have

a white cooktop and oven. They had to sit flush and cook as good

as they look.

With the cost of appliances, however, it looked like Karins

budget had been blown. Id like to think my mom came to the

rescue, she says. The daughter of a wallcoverings designer, Karin

opted to install a crocodile-texture backsplash made of washablevinyl wallpaper glued to a board and framed with chrome mirror

edging. Sara and I papered the boards together, she says. It took

a half day, no more.

The choice limited costly tile installation to where it was

neededbehind the cooktop. Plus the wallpapers faux-croc

texture met Karins style quotient and synced with the rooms

silver and gold accents.

I kept thinking I was doing this for some kind of glamour

girl, someone always entertaining, Karin says. In other words,

someone just like her.

ABOVE: A small desk provides a spot to plan menus or pay bills.

Using a stainless end panel on the adjacent cabinet creates a

magnetic surface for hanging notes. above RIGHT: Pullout pantries

mix fixed and movable units that can be accessed from two sides.

OPPOSITE:White shelves with stainless-steel frames hang over faux-

crocodile wallpaper in the walk-in pantry. Leftover travertine tile

from another project clads one wall for extra texture.

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right: When the base cabinet next to the

sink didnt provide much countertop space,

homeowner Shelley Stewart added open,

adjustable shelving to stretch the surface area.

Columns and furniturelike feet further the

custom look of the kitchen. OPPOSITE: Shelleycreated an upscale look in her kitchen with

creamy white cabinetry that mixes open and

closed storage. Special touches include crown

molding that blends with the parquet floor.

Theres no way I can tell you howmany times I went to work thinking I looked OK,only to have someone tell me that I had sawdust on

my clothes. Or I would look down to see my new shoes

covered with drywall dust. I guess it comes with the

territory of being a do-it-yourself-obsessed fanatic.

It all started when I decided to add a combination

dining area and TV room to the back of my Des Moines

house. I thought, While Im doing this, I might as well

go on and reconfigure the kitchen.It seemed so simple,but before it was over Id learned some toughand

valuablelessons on remodeling.

details,detailsKeeping her eyes on the

prizea pretty kitchen

homeowner Shelley Stewartsurvives an exhaustive

remodeling project. Heres her

first-person account.



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Put your money into things that draw attention.Splurge on a stylish faucet or colorful accent tiles.

homeowner shelley stewart


The first contractor was Rick. He arrived with his wife, and items Jack had ordered, so there I was$2,000 worth of material in


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The first contractor was Rick. He arrived with his wife, and

somehow their air of respectability convinced me that he was the

one to do the job. He left with my down payment of $1,000 and

gave me a list of materials to order, promising to return in a few

days to start the job. He stressed that he worked fast and would

finish by the end of summer, and I believed him.We agreed that he wouldnt tear out the wall between my

kitchen and the addition until the new space was dried in

(translation: roofed, with exterior walls, windows, and doors

in place to keep the weather out) to minimize the mess in the

house. Things seemed to go well as he laid out the joists on the

foundation. You want the maximum ceiling height, right? he

asked. We soon realized that the sloped roof I had planned would

necessitate relocating the existing upstairs windows. Oh, no!

Construction in the bedrooms, too? I asked. Oh, well.

The day he joined the rooflines was a hot one. By lateafternoon, when shingles and tar paper had been ripped away,

he was exhausted. Heat gave way to rain. By 8 oclock that night,

water was pouring into the house, dripping through the kitchen

ceiling onto the countertop, coursing through the living room

walls to the basement, where it soaked into books, boxes, and my

newly laid laminate floating floor, which lived up to its name.

Who could have known that wed have rain? Rick asked. Anyone

who looked at the sky, I thought.

The weather and the house dried out, and the rest of the work

went fineuntil the day Rick disappeared to start another job. The

old exterior wall was still there and my kitchen untouched.

The next contractor, Jack, was recommended by the drywall

contractor. He arrived like a leprechaun, almost jumping with

excitement at the prospect of tearing out the wall. I watched with

amazement as he and his helper took crowbars and hammers to

the only barrier left between my kitchen and its new life.

The leprechaun wasted no time ripping out old fixtures,

appliances, and cabinets, too. I wasnt ready to lose my sink yet.

Look, he barked, do you want us to do the job or not? Well,yes, I said. Ill just cook in the microwave and wash dishes in the

upstairs bathroom.

Within two days, I had strong suspicions that there was more

to Jacks hyperactivity than excitement over my kitchen. When he

started showing up late and couldnt remember conversations

we had just the day before, I told him to leave. The home

improvement store had already delivered the drywall and other

items Jack had ordered, so there I was $2,000 worth of material in

my driveway, rain forecast in two days, and no contractor.

A friend of a friend knew someone who was supposed to be

really, really good at remodeling. This time, it was true! Rod came

in when I didnt know which way to turn. He owns a contracting

company, his employees (Rich and Kenny) were pros, and hissubcontractors were the best.

Rods crew shifted the wall between the kitchen and the living

room, closing a door in the process. A plumber installed the new

gas line for the cooktop and water pipes for a second sink. An

electrician came by to do the wiring, adding downlights.

Finally, I was ready to starting putting my kitchen back

together. Explaining that my hodgepodge of cabinets, including

some from garage sales, would create an elegant unfitted look

at a fraction of the cost for all-new ones, I convinced Rod that they

would fit the space (and crossed my fingers that they would). Onesecondhand cabinet, capped with the shop-class workbench top I

Custom-Look CabinetsHomeowner Shelley Stewart originally had a quote for cabinets from a

home center for $15,000. She was able to spend less than $3,500 by

doing some smart shopping and adding details.

mix mastered Shelley used some cabinets from the original kitchen,

but she also found cabinets at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, in

a classified ad, and at a garage sale. With a rough layout in mind, she

bought the used cabinets and hoped for the best. She hired carpenters to

install them, and she painted them to unify the look.

PERSONALLY TAILORED Shelley didnt settle for the status quo with her

cabinets. To add interest to the range area, she added a half-column,

below left. Slide-out shelves, below right,increase storage capacity in

cabinets in the peninsula.

OPPOSITE: Teal-green tile on the countertops provides an unexpected

splash of color. For continuity, the tile repeats on the backsplash and the

focal-point mosaic behind the cooktop. Antiqued-copper knobs on the

cabinets add a flourish.

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above left: The microwave is at eye level so its easy

to access. above: Open shelves display collectibles and

everyday dishes. OPPOSITE: Closing a doorway created

room for a new cooktop and mosaic backsplash. The

cabinets are a budget-smart mix of old and new. The

peninsula top was salvaged from a workbench.

found at an online auction site, became a peninsula; two barstools

added seating for a casual dining spot.

I bought my appliances and sink locally after online research,

saving money on discontinued models. I saved by ordering the

faucet for the double-bowl sink online, and used the old one for

the smaller sink.

Stacking everything in the living room until we were ready for

it became an issue. For months the only place I could sit, even for

meals, was either at my desk chair or on my bed. By now, it was the

middle of winter, which meant freezing cold and snow. All sawingfor both the kitchen and the addition had to be done inside. One

word suffices: dust.

And so it went. It seemed as if every time I earned a nickel,

I spent 6 cents on supplies. The construction crew left, and I was

alone in the unfinished kitchen.

I proceeded to prime, sand, paint, sand, paint again, sand

again, and paint again until the cabinets, which came from five

different sources, looked as if they were meant to go together.

By buying my oak parquet flooring a few packs at a time, I

softened the financial impact. When finally installing it in thekitchen and adjoining family room, I found that I needed more,

and discovered to my horror that it had been discontinued. I drove

like a maniac to home improvement stores in Kansas City andOmaha and bought all they had, ending up with a little more than

I needed, but who cared? I had finished the floor. It wasnt all that

hard, but the gunky brown adhesive does stickto everything.

To inject some color, I decided to use 18-inch squares of

teal-green tile with inserts of green tumbled marble on the

countertops. Creating the design as I went was half the fun, and a

good wet-saw made short work of cutting all those little pieces.

As soon as the countertops were in place, Rods crew returned

to install the appliances and connect the sink. Soon after, I was

arranging drawers, putting things on shelves, and (hurray, hurray!)properly cooking and washing dishes once again. I survived, and I

have a beautiful kitchen to show for it!

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this photo:Cherry

cabinetry enriches the

look of this kitchen. Glass

upper cabinets echo the

detailing on the windows.

opposite:Stainless-

steel appliances brighten

the cooking area.



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warmembraceWith an abundance of rich

wood, this kitchen hasstay-awhile appeal.

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Small touches make a bigdifference. The homeowners of thisChicago-area bungalow realized that a

few months after their kitchen renovation

was completeor they thought it was

complete. After their daughter spilled

grape juice on the base of the breakfast

bar, leaving a purple stain on the drywall,

they called kitchen designer Catherine

Heir back to assess the damage. Call it a

happy accident. Heir paneled the base so

it would be easier to wipe down and also

blend with the rooms cherry cabinetry.

That small touch really completed the

kitchen, Heir says.

Now, the finished-off kitchen has it

alltraditional richness that complements

the character of the home and everyday

ease that suits a family of four. You

have to be able to meld function with thepretty, Heir says. This is a family kitchen,

not a showpiece kitchen. Even though it

looks nice, it needs to function really well.

above right:Clay pots are an earthy

complement to the tumbled marble backsplash.

We wanted something on that wall that was

modern yet understated, kitchen designer

Catherine Heir says. The brick fits the styleof the house.right:The faucet and soap

dispenser suit the rooms traditional look.

opposite:A wall of cabinetry incorporates a

message center, the microwave oven (with an

appliance garage under it), and the refrigerator.


A mix of different size drawers provides keep it


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It took a few design tricks to makethat functionality a reality. A big challenge

was the layout. The family had been

making do with a traffic-blocking table

in the center of the room, and they were

hoping an island with stools could be

worked in instead. I tried, but it just

proved impossible to fit a practical island

with seating into this kitchen, Heir says.

Instead, she added a small island, then

removed the wall to the dining roomto allow space for a breakfast bar. This

gave them a place to sitplus it visually

enlarged both rooms and brought natural

light into the kitchen, she says.

The island, used as a baking station,

mixes open and closed storage. Pots, pans,

and spices are housed on the side facing

the range; cookbooks and collectibles

have a home on open shelves visible upon

entering the room.

The play between pretty and practical

shows in other areas too. The raised

breakfast bar, with quartz-surfacing,

hides the work area, including the sink.

The sink itself is a deep one-bowl model,

chosen to help hide dirty dishes when the

homeowner, an avid cook, doesnt have

time to tend to them immediately.

The tumbled marble backsplashthat the homeowners loved but didnt

think would be functional was sealed and

enhanced so it holds its own against spills

and stains. It helps protect it from flying

spaghetti sauce, Heir says.

A mix of different-size drawers provides keep-it-organized storage for small and large items.

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7/18/2019 Small Kitchen Solutions Better Homes and Garden

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Small Kitchen Solutions Better Homes and Gardens